Gross Motor Milestones

* Holds head in the middle while on back

* Lifts head halfway or higher when placed on tummy by 3 months
 

* Moves arms and legs actively
 

* Begins to push up slightly with arms during tummy time

* Begins to turn head toward sounds or movement

* Shows primitive reflexes like the startle (Moro) and rooting reflex
 

* Pushes up on arms with open hands during tummy time (by 5 months)
 

* Lifts head and chest fully when on tummy (by 6 months)
 

* Rolls from tummy to back, and back to tummy
 

* Kicks legs with control when lying on back
 

* Begins to bear some weight through legs when held upright

* Kicks legs vigorously and alternates movements
 

* Brings hands to feet and may start to sit with support

* Sits without support and stays balanced while reaching for toys
 

* Pushes up onto hands and knees
 

* Begins crawling on hands and knees by around 10 months
 

* Moves from lying down to sitting independently
 

* Pulls up to stand at furniture
 

* Cruises (walks while holding onto furniture)
 

* Begins to stand briefly without support

* Stands alone without holding onto anything
 

* Walks independently with confidence
 

* Crawls up stairs (on hands and knees)
 

* Squats down to pick up toys and stands back up without falling
 

* Stands up from the floor without using hands
 

* Walks while pulling or pushing a toy
 

* Throws a ball forward while standing
 

* Begins to climb onto low furniture

* Begins to kick a stationary ball

* Walks confidently and begins to run

* Begins to walk up stairs with help or by holding a railing
 

* Can kick a ball forward
 

* Begins to throw a ball overhand
 

* Starts to jump in place with both feet
 

* Climbs on and off furniture without help
 

* Walks backward a few steps

* Explores more complex movements like squatting, climbing, and bending

* Runs with better balance and coordination
 

* Can walk up and down stairs holding a handrail or railing
 

* Starts to climb on playground equipment with ease
 

* Begins to jump forward with both feet
 

* Kicks a rolling ball 5 feet with some accuracy
 

* Throws a ball overhand with improved aim
 

* Begins to pedal a tricycle or ride-on toy
 

* Stands on one foot briefly (1-2 seconds)
 

* Begins to catch a large ball with arms extended

* Runs smoothly with good control and changes direction easily
 

* Walks up and down stairs using alternating feet confidently
 

* Jumps forward several times in a row with both feet leaving the ground
 

* Hops on one foot 2–3 times
 

* Throws a ball overhand with improved coordination and distance
 

* Catches a large ball most of the time using hands and arms
 

* Pedals a tricycle or similar ride-on toy with control
 

* Balances on one foot for 3–5 seconds
 

*  Climbs playground equipment with ease
 

* Begins to gallop or skip
 

* Takes 2 steps and kicks a ball about 10 feet

* Runs smoothly with good speed and can stop or change direction quickly
 

* Hops on one foot 5 or more times in a row
 

* Skips by alternating feet
 

* Throws and catches a ball with improved accuracy
 

* Balances on one foot for 8–10 seconds or longer
 

* Jumps over objects with both feet together
 

* Climbs and descends stairs confidently without support
 

* Begins to pedal a bike with training wheels
 

* Walks backward in a straight line
 

* Begins to do somersaults or simple gymnastic moves

* Runs with mature coordination and changes direction quickly
 

* Hops and skips with rhythm and balance
 

* Balances on one foot for 10+ seconds without support
 

* Kicks a moving ball with accuracy
 

* Catches a small ball using hands only (not the chest)
 

* Rides a bike with or without training wheels
 

* Climbs playground equipment confidently and safely
 

*  Begins to show coordination in sports and group games
 

* Demonstrates body awareness during activities like dancing, jumping jacks, and obstacle courses
 

* Walks heel-to-toe along a straight line